food

Federal Cash For Portage la Prairie Agri-Business

April 15, 2012
Author: PortageOnline

A Portage la Prairie based agri-food business is getting a financial boost from the federal government. Portage-Lisgar M.P. Candice Hoeppner has announced $2.5 million dollars is being given to Canadian Prairie Garden Puree Product Incorporated to help them expand into the global market.

The company makes puree that can be used in baby foods and soups. The funding is the first to be distributed as part of the Agricultural Innovation Program, a $50 million dollar project hoping to accelerate the commercialization of innovative agri-based products and technologies.

Hoeppner says Canadian Prairie is exactly the type of company this program is geared towards. She says the business will create new opportunities for the Portage la Prairie workforce and for vegetable growers from across the Central Plains.

Canadian Prairie Vice President Kelly Beaulieu says they are thrilled with the investment. She says this is going to help them to expand to the next level.

The current plan is to add an additional 15 employees within the next year and create a total of 55 jobs within the next three years. The product will be made at the Food Development Centre in Portage la Prairie.